It’s rare to hear or read an LGBTQ love story. But at the story of souls, we promise to bring such stories that are inspiring and does have a social message for the world.
That pride November of 2015
Present
Gene could feel Pete’s hand slipping from his own. He should’ve known this day would come but this soon and like this? “No no no no no NOOOO” Gene screamed into the pillow.
Flashback
Memories took all over his mind. Let’s jump into those flashbacks and see what happened. “Ugghh!! Why the bus has to be late when I have something important?” Gene said clearly frustrated, just a louder than a mumble. “Maybe you should leave early then,” said the beside standing guy looking at the ground. “Excuse me?” Gene said, and the other one took off his ear pod, and “yes?” he replied. Realization hit Gene as he noticed that the latter was talking on the phone. Sorry, I think I got the wrong person.” He said slightly embarrassed.
It wasn’t his fault, or maybe was it? Gene didn’t want to, but couldn’t help the urge to check the boy out. Was he hot? Meh!! That would be an understatement. He was snapped out of his thoughts by the bus driver. “Stop staring and get on,” the driver said in a teasing tone. Was he that obvious? He asked himself. The long time classes were now finally over.
This meant it was time for the fest meeting. It was literally 7:30 pm, but still, what needs to be done, has to be done. Gene was beyond tired. The fest preparations had started to get on Gene’s and a few of the other member’s nerves. They didn’t have enough members. Gene gave out a loud and long sigh. “what was that for mate?” Jason asked, knowing very well that Gene was getting really annoyed because of all the workload he had. Managing, part-time job, internship and fest preparations wasn’t an easy task.
Pete Move-in
Then came in Pete like a knight in shining armour. Sounds too cheesy, doesn’t it? “Want some help there buddy?”
Pete asked slightly chuckling, which received a glare from Jason. That was a warning that Gene wasn’t in a good mood. Pete chuckled even louder and then, there stood the tall tower Gene, neck to neck with Pete. If looks could kill both would’ve been dead by now. What can be scarier than having two six footmen all angry? “I was just trying to help. What’s your problem?” Pete said now annoyed.
“Standing here chuckling doesn’t help” Gene retorted. “Okay okay, stop it now you two grown-ups. Are you two small kids fighting over candy or something?” As Jason said, a naughty smile visible on his face. “oh! Shut up!!” both hissed at the tiny guy.
Gene and Pete two tsundere men, who thought would grow close? But they did, yet no one could tell that. How? Do you know about secretly caring for the other? Yes, that’s what they did. Secretly care for each other. Small gestures like, buying the other food and keeping it on his table so that he would eat, deliberately passing by while leaving just so that they can walk home together.
New beginning
Soon the fest day came and went. But neither Gene nor Pete could stop thinking about what had happened. It was just hard to process. Katherine the University’s goddess, was flirting with Gene and the drunk Pete saw her. Pete shoved the girl and smashed his lips on Gene. What’s more surprising was that Gene kissed back. They pulled away while Pete rested their foreheads together and whispered “will you be my man?” “Pete, you are really drunk, we will talk tomorrow okay?” was what Gene said, he wanted to accept the proposal so badly, but knew that Pete was a drunk blabbering mess.
The very next day
The hangover was what Pete was getting. Standing up from his bed, he entered the kitchen shirtless. He saw a familiar figure. “It can’t be Jason, he isn’t this tall” he wondered. “Oh, you are awake? Having a hangover?” Gene asked, which to Pete seemed more of a taunt. “you taunting me?” he replied, in a playful tone. “Naah!!! Just concerned.” Gene said, running a hand through his hair.
Then the tension got serious, Pete pulled Gene closer by his waist and kissed him deeply, and Gene again kissed back. “He’s not drunk anymore-” his thoughts were cut off by Pete abruptly pulling away. “I’m sorry” he apologized. “those words that you said yesterday, did you really mean that?” Gene inquired. “what did I say? I can’t remember.” Pete frantically answered. “Ok, so to remind you again, you proposed to me and ask can I be YOUR boyfriend.” (At the same time the thoughts of like is an LGBTQ love story is possible!)
Pete avoiding
Pete stood silent. “I can’t believe it, I would not have been here and neither should have given it another thought. Now, you better stay away from me. No need to contact me and don’t you dare use Jason as a broker between both of us.” And with that Gene slammed the main door shut and there stood Pete mentally beating himself up for being such a coward. (I can make LGBTQ love story a possibility)
Cold cursing Gene
He knew he messed up big and now has to make up to Gene for what he has done. Gene closed himself to everyone, even to Pete and Jason to whom he shared his every problem. That old cold-hearted Gene came back. The Gene doesn’t give a damn to what others say. Pete kept on blaming himself. “Gene, listen to me. give me chance, allow me to explain everything” Pete shout at top of his voice but alas, Gene move farther ahead towards the door. Pete caught up with Gene at the bus stand, the stand where they first met. “Gene, let me explain. Please?” Pete pleaded to breathe heavily. “Then explain” Gene retorted coldly.
Pete Confession
“Hey listen, I am here to say what I want to. Then I leave it on to you to decide your further course of action. I’m sorry, for hurting you like that. I have been a coward who couldn’t confess when sober. Instead did when drunk. Later denies it the next day when asked. I’m sorry. But I want to tell you the truth. I’ve liked you for a long time, ever since I saw you here. Please be my boyfriend. I love you, Gene”. The cold look on his face melted and he did the least expected thing. He leaned in to kiss Pete and “I love you too” was what he said. It was 12th
November of 2015, the sweet November day, when both become one. They love each other and promise to stay together forever.
Present Day in the Hospital
However, Pete breaks his promise. The last beep on the ventilator and the line went straight, Pete’s hand all numb and cold fell on the hospital bed. He left Gene. Forever. Gene thought of walking down the aisle to the man he loved with all his heart. His heart ached with every step he and Jason took towards Pete’s funeral. The next day, Jason was the one walking towards his best friend’s Gene’s funeral.
Shachi Joshi – Our Storyteller
She is a winner in the story writer for the story writing competition, held by Retorica in collaboration with the storyofsouls.com Her story was selected based on the fact that an LGBTQ love story is a real-life possibility. Society has to accept this. Such thoughts coming from youth is the indication that everyone has a right to live life in their way. LGBTQ Love is no different, it has the same feelings and same ways as other people who fall in love.
“LGBTQ Love story is possible” With this message we leave the final thoughts with the readers.
You can also share your life story with us at replytosos@gmail.com. Story Of Souls is an initiative where we invite people to bring their stories to us. We want people to “write to heal.” The idea of Storyofsouls has been appreciated by ALL INDIA RADIO, an Online Platform where you can share your real-life stories. The impact of our stories has reached to UN, Harvard University. On some real-life stories, web series are also planned. You can also visit our Youtube channel. You can follow us on Facebook LinkedIn Instagram
